Customer Reviews

Old Rivers/Twas the Night Before Christmas...Back Home

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For people who grew up with the Walter Brennan Christmas album, it's indispensable. For years after my family's LP cracked from the edge to the center hole, we'd line up the break every Christmas and ignore the pops and skips. In spots, this can be a heart-wrenching listen. The poor guy tears up when he realizes none of his children are coming home to be with him and Ma. On another cut he chokes up alone because now Ma is gone, too. Later, he recalls how his father once pretended to kill the pet turkey before finishing with a happy ending. He tells inspiring stories of humble celebrations, full of thanks and recognition of the meaning of the season. If you're lucky you'll end up regarding these songs the way Brennan's story-teller regards the old-time Christmas stories he lives for during the holidays: "I love 'em. Every one". Old Rivers features similar music - at times you might think you're hearing the same tunes with different lyrics. That's okay. The stories are fun and Brennan's voice is irresistable.

BACK IN THE EARLY 1960'S MY FAMILY HAD THE ORIGINAL WALTER BRENNAN CHRISTMAS ALBUM, SO I GREW UP LISTENING TO THAT ALBUM DURING THE HOLIDAYS. FOR SOME TIME, THIS ALBUM HAS BEEN OUT OF PRINT. I HAVE RECORDED THE ALBUM ON TO A CASSETTE, BUT AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE THIS ON CD. AFTER LOSING LOVED ONES DURING THE PAST YEARS, THIS CHRISTMAS CD BRINGS BACK A LOT OF WONDERFUL, HAPPY MEMORIES FOR ME AS MY FAMILY WOULD LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING "GRANDPA MCCOY'S" ALBUM OUT AND PLAYING IT YEAR AFTER YEAR. THE OLD RIVERS PORTION OF THE CD IS ALSO VERY GOOD. THIS IS A WONDERFUL, UNIQUE CD. SONE OF THE SONGS TELL STORIES FROM LONG AGO, AND HAVE SOME VERY HUMBLING MESSAGES. SOME OF THE SONGS HAVE "CATCHY" TUNES. THIS IS DEFINITELY A "5" STAR CD WHICH YOU WILL WANT TO PLAY YEAR AFTER YEAR.

I can't imagine in our mtv, fast-paced world that Walter Brennan would get a record contract nowadays. That is a shame too, because his recordings are so timeless! I grew up listening to Walter Brennan, and hearing this cd puts a lump in my throat and brings tears to my eyes. I cannot even begin to list which tracks are my favorites because I love them all.

I wish Walter were still alive today. He sure would show some of the no-talent people out there (Britney) how to really entertain!

Thanks for the walk down memory lane Walter, and God Bless you.

Im twenty three years old,i got introduced to walt though rio bravo and a few other westerns and just loved the guy,dad told me bout how he sang,so i took it upon my self to find his music,i got this and have some others and i was not around in the time he speaks of but i listen to him just wishing i was there with him,i like to go back to a peaceful place,i listen to walter and escape the rubbish that comes out to day
ben from australia

this music reminds me of my grandfather,and living on the farm.on walter brennan can sing the song(old rivers)as I lived that life for a long time.It's one of a few songs that tell how it really was.when walter brennan sings that song it's abreath of sunshine,and it takes me back to a time when the world was more simpler (if you will).I can see my grandfather plowing those fields with a mule name Kate,and I a little boy walking behind breaking up clods with my on bear feet.

This CD is one I enjoyed as a child on vinyl. I never thought I would see the day I would get o listen to it again. The true meaning of Christmas is in the words. Walter Brennan's story telling ability is superb. Listening to this album is one of my fondest childhood memories and anyone would love it. The true meaning of Christmas.....

Boy did this bring back memories :)
Outstanding CD

Every time I would set this album on the turntable,(I used to own it in vinyl) I would take a deep breath and think of the images the different tracks would be describing.

Listening to Walter Brennan speak is a pleasant thing indeed. Even though a few of the tracks would make me silently weep, sometimes in joy and sometimes in sorrow. The humanity in his voice is evident throughout the recording. There isn't a bad track on the disc. One cannot listen to this opus without becoming emotionally involved in the stories therein.

In short, this is an essential recording for everyone's collection.

This is a great piece of Americana. Walter Brennan portrayed the penultimate "common man," and this theme is reflected throughout this CD. You will not find a smooth, sophisticated crooner here - heck, you won't really find any actual singing, except for the back-up singers. What you will find is the spoken word set to music, and done so effectively as to occasionally bring a tear to the eye.

I'm not sure if you have to be familiar with Walter Brennan's acting to appreciate this CD, but it wouldn't hurt. Indeed, if you are at all familiar with the old television show "The Real McCoys," you will find that these songs are more like Grandpa Amos telling his stories to music.

"Old Rivers" was a hit song in 1962, and I remember listening to it on my transistor radio as a 12-year-old kid and getting choked up over it. Brennan also had three other top 100 songs. All of the songs have a "back home" appeal, with a strong Christian bent, and a respect for hard work, integrity and tradition. There are some unique Christmas songs that will help to fill out your holiday music collection, as well as Brennan's version of a few classics. All of these songs will make you long for an America that existed once, at least in myth.

Is this CD for everyone? Not on your life. I strongly recommend that you listen to the available song samples before buying. If you remember these songs from when they first came out, or if you want to be transported back to a different era, to a country life, then you will enjoy this CD. I was thrilled to find it available and enjoy it immensely, but then again, I'm older than the songs.

Dagnabbit....listening to this collection of Christmas songs and stories is really an interesting experience. Some are real downers - but - the familiar, unique voice of Walter Brennan brings them to life and brings back memories of The Real McCoys, Rio Bravo, How the West Was Won, and many of his later roles. My favorite was about Henry the Turkey, who was saved from the Christmas dinner table. If you love unique Christmas songs and/or Walter Brennan, this is a great one.